Who is this for?

Host looking for strictly gluten-free bread

For a guest with coeliac disease, a clear gluten-free label matters more than a dark colour or a resemblance to rye bread. The Dutch Coeliac Society says that rye naturally contains gluten.

Host catering for different guests

If you’re serving both ordinary and gluten-free snacks, you can keep a clearly labelled alternative separate. Small rolls can be handy for individual portions; use separate, clean utensils when preparing and serving them.

Lover of dark, seeded bread

If you’re mainly looking for the shape of the loaf and the seeds, you can compare dark gluten-free bread with seeded bread. The ingredients and flavour don’t have to match those of rye bread.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the gluten-free label on the packaging. Then compare the bread’s shape and ingredients with the snacks you want to serve.

What to look for What to check before buying Especially useful for
Gluten-free label Check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the current ingredients and allergen information. When I’m preparing bread for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on its colour or name. For around 50% of consumers, this label is the top priority when choosing.
Dark, seeded loaf Compare dark or seeded bread by its ingredients and shape; don’t assume it will taste like rye. For topped snacks, I’m mainly looking for a dark bread with seeds, even if it tastes different from rye bread. Around 30% of consumers say this type of bread experience is their first priority.
Festive size and availability See whether sliced bread or small rolls would work better, and check current availability before buying. I want to be able to prepare the snacks in time, so I focus on a practical size that I can buy. For around 20% of consumers, convenience matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming dark rye bread is gluten-free

    Its dark colour doesn’t change the fact that rye contains gluten, as the Dutch Coeliac Society explains.

    Don’t serve ordinary rye bread to someone following a strict gluten-free diet. Choose an alternative with an explicit gluten-free label on the current packaging.

  • Assuming an online range reflects in-store stock

    A shop’s online listing doesn’t tell you whether the bread you want will be available at your local branch when you need it.

    Check that the specific product is currently available before your planned St Nicholas’ Eve celebration.

  • Expecting seeded bread to taste the same

    Jumbo describes its gluten-free brown and seeded breads as being made with tapioca starch. They aren’t made with rye as their base.

    Choose based on the ingredients and bread shape you want to serve, and present it as a gluten-free bread alternative, not as rye bread.

  • Assuming every loaf contains iodised salt

    The ingredients in one loaf don’t necessarily apply to another gluten-free bread.

    If iodised salt matters to you, check the ingredients list on the packaging you’re buying.

Brands and shops to explore

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s online range includes gluten-free dark seeded bread and gluten-free rolls.

  • A starting point for comparing bread styles before you shop.
  • Check that your chosen product is available and read the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo has an online gluten-free bread category, including Lekker Vrij van Gluten Bruin and Meerzaden.

  • The product descriptions list tapioca starch as the base for both breads.
  • This ingredients information applies to these products; check other varieties separately.

PLUS

PLUS lists gluten-free brown bread, seeded bread and rolls online.

  • You can compare different bread styles online.
  • Check whether the specific product is available at your shop.

ALDI

ALDI lists gluten-free bread as an option in its bread range.

  • Its bread range is one place to look for an alternative.
  • Assess a specific product by its own label, rather than relying on the general bread page.

Lidl

Lidl features gluten-free products and a changing range of special buys.

  • Check the current range if you’re planning to shop at Lidl.
  • If you’re planning a celebration, don’t count on a particular special buy being available without checking first.

Dirk

Dirk’s search results include gluten-free bread products from brands such as Schär.

  • The listed options include multigrain bread and smaller bread styles.
  • Check your chosen product and its availability at each shop.

Joybuy products for bite-sized snacks

A mini baguette-style product is included here for small topped portions on St Nicholas’ Eve. If you’re serving someone following a strict gluten-free diet, always check the label and ingredients on the current packaging before use.

Gv Mini Baguette, pack of 7

Gv Mini Baguette, 7 pieces

The mini baguette shape works well for individual topped portions. Before buying, check whether the pack contains rolls or a baking mix. For strictly gluten-free use, check the current gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is ordinary rye bread gluten-free?

No. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, rye naturally contains gluten. If someone is following a strict gluten-free diet, look for a bread made with different ingredients and bearing an explicit gluten-free label.

What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on a bread label?

According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘gluten-free’ means less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product. When buying, read the current packaging, including the ingredients and allergen information.

Does gluten-free bread always contain iodised salt?

No, you can’t tell from the ‘gluten-free’ label. If iodised salt matters to you, check the ingredients list of the bread you want to buy.

How do I serve gluten-free bread alongside ordinary snacks?

Keep the gluten-free bread separate from bread containing gluten, and use a clean knife and a separate board or plate. Don’t use the same knife for both types of bread or fillings, and check the packaging before serving.